GTA V: There has been an error joining a session | Fix

Alert! There has been an error joining a session. Please return to Grand Theft Auto V.

GTA 5 is still one of the most popular games out there years after its initial release. Unfortunately, the annoying GTA V error joining session is still present affecting many users.

The error message usually occurs when players try to play online and join other gamers but it can also occur all of a sudden in mid-gameplay.

⇒ Check the GTA server status

Before trying to fix this problem, check GTA’s Online Server Status. Perhaps this error is caused by a known issue or scheduled maintenance tasks.

In this case, there is nothing that you can do to fix it, just wait patiently until the problem is solved.

So, if you ruled out known server issues, try restarting your devices (console and router). If nothing worked, here’s how you can fix this error and join online sessions.

Fix GTA 5 Error Joining Session on PS4

Fix 1 – Change sessions

Try joining Solo play online and then quickly change your session to multiplayer — the game should now work just fine.

Fix 2 – Update your console and router

Make sure that both your console and router are running the latest firmware updates.

Running outdated firmware versions may trigger game connection issues, among other things, so make sure to rule out this hypothesis as well.

Fix 3 –  Disable your firewall

If you’re using a firewall on your router, turn it off temporarily to see if the issue persists.

Sometimes, your firewall misinterprets the signals it receives from GTA 5 and blocks the game connection.

Fix 4 – Change DNS settings

You can also try to manually set up your internet connection and change DNS settings. Use 8.8.8.8 as your Primary DNS and 8.8.4.4 as your Secondary DNS.

For step-by-step instructions, see Changing DNS on Popular Gaming Systems.

Fix 5 – Change MTU settings

Some players confirmed that changing MTU settings helped them fix this error. Although this solution may work for only a limited number of players, it is worth trying it out.

So, change your MTU to 1473 on your PS4 console:

1. Navigate to Settings
2. Go to Network
3. Select Set Up Internet Connection
4. Select Custom and type in 1473 or 1450 if the first variant is not accepted.

Keep all the other settings as they are.

Fix 6 – Forward ports

Forwarding ports may also help you join GTA 5 online sessions. Make sure that the following ports are open:

• TCP Ports: 80, 443
• UDP Ports: 6672, 61455, 61457, 61456, and 61458

For more information on how to open ports, go to your router manufacturer’s website.

How to Fix There Has Been an Error Joining a Session on PC and Xbox

1. Restart your computer or Xbox One console and then launch the game again.
2. Check your Internet connection and make sure to optimize it if necessary:
   1. Restart your modem
   2. Use a cable connection if that’s possible
   3. Disconnect other devices
3. Play online for a few minutes before diving into the single-player mode, and the other way around (do this several times).
4. Get the latest system updates on your Windows 10 computer and Xbox One console.
5. Check for GTA updates and install the latest version (the game often fails to join online sessions if it’s not up-to-date).
6. Enter Story Mode and try to load a new save or game. Select your character and check if this method works.
7. If you’re playing GTA V Online on PC, make sure your antivirus or firewall is not blocking the game. Whitelist the game in your antivirus or firewall settings. For more information and the steps to follow, see Add an exclusion to Windows Security.

Conclusion

The GTA 5 ‘There has been an error with this session‘ error is quite common among players.

Although the general consensus among gamers is that this is a random server issue and troubleshooting it rarely yields any positive results, do use the solutions listed above.

Maybe this is your lucky day and you’ll be able to resume your gaming session in less than 5 minutes.